Quick-Start Guide for Internal PLACEMENT Exams (Draft)

This page is not yet linked from anywhere.

 

2026-04-30, MARY NOTES:  Mandy asked me to replace the PDFs on the site with standard webpages, where possible. I've been using Microsoft Copilot to create simpler Instruction sheets, and this page is a draft from one of those. When Copilot was simplifying the instructions, it separated the Internal and Webcape exams into "Group A" and "Group B" exams. I think that might be a good way to differentiate them in the future. Maybe FLATS exams would be Group C, and AVANT Group D, and outside exams Group E, or something? Or maybe that just complicates it more, haha. I'm just brainstorming.

Formatting Note:  UCD seems to be moving toward those accordion style lists (like this: https://lettersandscience.ucdavis.edu/degree-requirements#CollegeForLang), so I'll probably switch this page to that format when I have time, and before publishing it. 

 

Current Draft (not checked yet, just pasted):

 

UCD Language Placement Exams — Quick‑Start Guide

For: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Persian, Punjabi

You may keep this page open during your exam.

Is This the Right Exam?

This guide is only for: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Persian, Punjabi

What This Exam Does (and Does Not Do)

✅ Helps you choose the correct class level for the language you're planning to study
✅ Gives instant results
✅ It is free, online, and taken from home
❌ Does NOT fulfill any language requirements 
❌ Does NOT give any units or fulfill any graduation requirements
 

(**See bottom of page for info on the other kind of test we offer)

Retake Rules

  • Japanese:  Can retake after 1 year
  • Chinese: Can retake after 2 years 
    • Earlier retake allowed after study abroad / internship abroad
  • All others: Can only be taken once

⚠️ Unauthorized retakes may be reported as academic dishonesty.

Before You Start

Quick Exam Checklist 

✔ UC Davis account active (CAS + Duo)
✔ Reliable internet connection
✔ Headphones ready (required for most exams)
✔ Type your name exactly as it appears in OASIS
✔ Use your UC Davis email (lowercase only). 

🚫 Do NOT use your browser's Back, Forward, or Reload buttons during the exam. It can skip pages and affect your results.

To Take the Exam

  1. Go to:
    https://ucdlc.ucdavis.edu/internal-foreign-language-exams
  2. Click UC Davis Login and sign in
  3. Click Next to begin
  4. Read all instructions carefully
  5. Answer every question, but...
    • Do not guess
    • If you're unsure of an answer, choose “E. I don’t know the answer.”
    • (Because if you guess and get it correct, you could end up placed in the wrong class)
  6. Review your answers before clicking Next, Because You cannot go back to earlier questions.

Important Exam Notes

  • For Chinese & Hindi exams: simplified and traditional characters appear together
  • Listening sections: 
    • There are audio replay limits, so be ready before you hit play.
    • Click ▶ and listen fully before answering

After You Finish

  • Results appear immediately and are also emailed to you immediately.
  • The class listed in the very top line = the class you should enroll in
  • Read the text of the results email to see if your language requires a follow up oral assessment and follow the instructions you find there.
  • If the results say “placement” or “incomplete” instead of a course level, read and follow the instructions further down in the email you received.

Additional Required Assessments:

  • Chinese or Japanese: follow instructions in the results email and contact a professor for oral assessment.
  • Italian: email Dr. Melissa Demos → [email protected] for written and oral assessment.
  • Middle East & South Asia languages:
    Use chart in results email to find correct level. Contact ME/SA if you need help enrolling in the correct class:      https://mesa.ucdavis.edu/advising-office

If anything goes wrong with your exam, please email us at [email protected]. We will help!

Exit the exam and close your browser.

Advisors & Records

  • You will get a second automated email when your results have been entered in the Language Center Database.
  • Placement results do not currently get uploaded to MyDegree, but your adviser can view them.
  • Results are visible to advisors and the Dean’s Office within 1 week
  • If you need them sooner for advising, please show your advisor your original results email

Questions?

Write to us at [email protected] with questions or if you need help.

**Are you trying to Meet the Language Requirement by Taking a Proficiency Exam?

This exam is not that. Proficiency exams are different than Placement exams. Proficiency Exams are in‑person, supervised exams that can fulfill a language requirement by themselves. Many are available on a walk-in basis at the Davis Language Center. More information is here: https://ucdlc.ucdavis.edu/foreign-language-proficiency-exams and here: https://ucdlc.ucdavis.edu/testing-information-letter